Oscar Party

The public is invited to experience AIDS Connecticut's Red Carpet fundraising party celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night on Sunday, March 4, at 7 p.m. at Spotlight Theatres, 39 Front St., Hartford.

Besides watching the Oscars on a big screen, the party includes a VIP reception from 6 to 7 p.m., swag bags, red-carpet interviews, prizes for the most glamorously dressed, a fashion show, a silent auction, a cash bar and food from area restaurants. $55; VIP $110 at aids-ct.org

‘Beautiful’ Is Back

“Beautiful — The Carole King Musical” has been decreed one of the better examples of the “jukebox musical” ilk, thanks to deep biographical detail and a fearlessness when confronting such difficult issues as racism and mental health issues. The show tells the story of King’s rise to singer and songwriter fame, but also tracks the careers of her friends and Brill Building colleagues Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Don Kirschner.

The songs, of course, are exceptional: “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Up on the Roof,” “On Broadway,” “The Locomotion,” “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” “One Fine Day,” “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “I Feel the Earth Move”…

The tour that’s coming to the Shubert, 247 College St., New Haven, March 6 to 11 is the same first national tour that played The Bushnell last year, through key members of the cast have changed. Sarah Bockel plays King, Andrew Brewer is Goffin, Sarah Goeke is Weil and Jacob Heimer is Mann. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 2 and 8 pm. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $136. 203-562-5666 and shubert.com.

Matthew Murphy

"Beautiful: Carole King Musical" is at the Shubert March 6 to 11.

"Beautiful: Carole King Musical" is at the Shubert March 6 to 11. (Matthew Murphy)

Science Sleepover

Here’s a nighttime adventure for the family: an overnight excursion at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, exploring its 10 exhibit galleries (including the current “Bionic Me” exhibit), taking on science challenges and activities, meeting live animals, watching a 3D movie and more.

The next two overnights are March 10 and April 7 (The March 3 date is sold out). The nights start at 6 p.m. and wind up at 8 a.m. Snacks and light breakfast served. $55 per person; open to families and groups with children ages 5 to 12. Information and registration at ctsciencecenter.org/overnights and 860-520–2117.

Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com

The Science Center's "Bionic Me" exhibit includes a bionic-hand demonstration.

Portrait Of An Instrument

Real Art Ways in Hartford kicks off its Instrument Portrait Series: Drum on March 3 with a performance of “A Circle Has No Beginning” with percussionist Sameer Gupta on table and drumset, Marc Cary on keyboards, Jay Gandhi on bansuri, Arun Ramamurthy on carnatic violin, Marika Hughes on cello, Pawan Benjamin on saxophone and Rahsaan Carter on bass. The series continues March 17 with composer Kaoru Watanabe on Japanese drums and on March 31 with percussionist Jason Treuting. Admission is $20, $15 members for each concert. realartways.org.

File photo

(File photo)

Party With Big Bird And Elmo

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and pals invite y’all to “Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!” March 3 and 4 at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. Party guests will sing along with Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster, fly with Big Bird and get a Spanish lesson with Rosita. Performances are Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets $15 to $110 at 800-745-3000 and ticketmaster.com

Official trailer: 'Sesame Street Live': Let's Party

Official trailer: 'Sesame Street Live': Let's Party

Shostakovich And Gorey

Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents “Shostakovich & Gorey” on March 4 at 2 p.m. at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. A gallery talk by curator Erin Monroe precedes the music at 1 p.m. The show is being presented in conjunction with the exhibit “Gorey’s Worlds,” of work by Edward Gorey, which is at the museum until May 6.

"It wrenched off the horn of the gramophone, / And could not be persuaded to leave it alone." Il

"It wrenched off the horn of the gramophone, / And could not be persuaded to leave it alone." Il (The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust)

Home & Remodeling Show

The Connecticut Home and Remodeling Show March 2 to 4 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford features hundreds of local and national vendors who have thousands of ideas for your home and yard. Hours are Friday 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $12; children under 16 free; seniors (65-plus) and military $9. ctconventions.com

Getty Images

The Connecticut Home and Remodeling Show has thousands of ideas for your home.

The Connecticut Home and Remodeling Show has thousands of ideas for your home. (Getty Images)